01 Nov Prepping Your Motorcycle for Winter

The frigid months of winter are right around the corner in some parts of the United States. For motorcycle owners, this signifies the end of the riding season until warmer temperatures roll back around in the spring. If you live in a colder climate, this also means that it’s time to winterize your bike. Proper winterization will ensure that your motorcycle is in good shape when temperatures warm back up, which will minimize the amount of time and money you need to spend prepping for the road in the spring.

Here are some steps you won’t want to overlook when it comes to winterizing your bike.

1. Change the Oil

It might sound counterintuitive to change the oil in your bike if you’re not going to be riding it for a while, but this is actually an important winterization step. Over time, dirty oil can cause corrosion and other damage to your engine—even if your bike is just sitting in storage. To avoid this, be sure to change the oil before you put your bike up for the winter. Not sure which oil to use? Check out our previous blog post on choosing the right oil for your bike.

2. Charge the Battery

When your bike is not in use and is stored in cold temperatures, the battery will gradually lose its charge. By the time you go to start your motorcycle in the spring, the battery may be completely dead. You can avoid this by purchasing a charger that can stay connected to your bike all winter long and keep its battery properly juiced.

3. Elevate the Tires

If possible, it’s also a good idea to elevate your bike while it’s stored for the winter. Doing so will get the tires off the ground, which will protect them from wear. This, in turn, can help to prolong the life of your bike’s tires. If you don’t have a practical way to elevate your bike (such as a motorcycle stand), it is recommended that you reduce the pressure in your tires by about 20% before storing your motorcycle for the winter. Just be sure to inflate them to the proper PSI per your owner’s manual before you take your first spring ride.

4. Cover the Bike

Investing in an inexpensive cover for your motorcycle is a great way to keep it protected from debris and other elements during a harsh winter. This will be especially important if you’ll be storing your motorcycle outdoors, but it also doesn’t hurt for indoor storage. Before you cover your bike up for the winter, it’s also a good idea to have it thoroughly washed and waxed/polished. This way, contaminants that may already be on your bike won’t have a chance to cause lasting damage while in storage. Plus, your motorcycle will look great when you take it out of storage for that first ride!

Start Dreaming of Springtime Rides

A little care can go a long way in protecting your bike from unnecessary damage over the winter. By following these steps, your bike will be ready to ride many more miles come spring!

Reach out to David Consalvo to learn more about winter preparation for your vehicle and the industry-best AMSOIL products for your ride.